Hooch claims two lives in Kanpur, two critical

KANPUR: Two people died and two others were critical after allegedly consuming spurious liquor at Sukhaiyapurwa village in Kanpur on Saturday.
This comes just a month after hooch claimed at least 44 lives in Kushinagar and Saharanpur. The Kanpur district administration was jolted into action and are launching a crackdown on sale of illicit liquor in the region.
Also, action will be taken against police in Ghatampur, where the hooch deaths took place.
The dead include Birendra, 30, and Shiv Shankar, 46, both residents of Sukhaiyapurwa village. The duo reportedly consumed liquor along with others at a marriage function in the village on Thursday night.
On Friday, they were admitted to a private hospital after they complained of stomach ache and vomiting.
“Their condition deteriorated on Saturday and both died early evening,” said circle officer Shailendra Singh. Two others, who consumed liquor with them, were admitted to Ursala Horseman Hospital of the city police said.
Senior district and police officials, including SSP Anant Deo visited Sukhaiyapurwa and said it was yet to be conclusively established that the deaths were caused by spurious liquor.
“Investigations are underway and the autopsy report will ascertain cause of deaths,” he said. Police said the two undergoing treatment at the hospital will be questioned for clues.
The village was tense during a standoff between police and family members when cops wanted to take the bodies for autopsy.
However, additional police force was deployed and senior officials explained the need for autopsy. Additional police and PAC personnel were also deployed.
Search operations are being conducted in and around Sukhaiyapurwa village from where spurious liquor has been caught before, said a police official.